Below is the text of Mr Major’s comments made on Thursday 28th February 1991 following the end of the Gulf War.

QUESTION:

[Mr Major was asked what he felt now the war was over].

PRIME MINISTER:

Well, I am pleased it is over, I am relieved it is over, I am delighted that it has ended so satisfactorily. It has been a very remarkable military campaign; I doubt there have ever been any campaigns better organised by the military than this one; it has been a supreme success for them.

QUESTION:

[Mr Major was asked about British prisoners of war].

PRIME MINISTER:

We want them back immediately. There is no question of any delay. The commanders in the field will discuss it with the Iraqi commanders as soon as the meeting takes place and similarly, the politicians will discuss it within the next two or three days.

There is no reason for delay and no delay will be acceptable. We want them back straight away. Indeed, earlier today, we contacted Mr Sommeruga, the President of the International Red Cross, to re-emphasise that point. Even as we speak, he is trying to get access to the prisoners.